Strike action at London Luton Airport ends after DHL staff accept improved pay deal

Strike action at London Luton Airport (LLA) that threatened to disrupt easyJet’s Christmas and New Year flights has been called off after DHL check in and baggage handling staff accepted an improved pay deal.

The dispute ended after around 200 DHL employed workers voted to accept a revised 18 month agreement following negotiations involving Unite, DHL and the conciliation service Acas. The workers had already taken three days of strike action before Christmas and were due to walk out again from Boxing Day until 28 December.

Under the new deal, staff will receive a 5.5 per cent pay increase backdated to October 2025, alongside a 25 per cent rise in night shift premiums and a one off £250 payment due in April 2026. The agreement removes the immediate threat of further disruption at one of easyJet’s busiest UK bases.

The strike action had raised serious concerns for passengers during the festive travel period, with hundreds of flights potentially affected. Luton Airport is a major hub for easyJet, and the planned walkouts coincided with one of the busiest seasons for UK aviation.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham welcomed the outcome, saying: “Congratulations to Luton’s DHL workers, who by demanding better pay and taking strike action secured an excellent deal. As this result shows, Unite is the union that wins for workers.”

The dispute centred on pay levels and cost of living pressures, with Unite previously arguing that DHL staff at Luton were paid significantly less than colleagues performing similar roles at other airports.

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said the agreement demonstrated the value of collective action. He said: “This deal is another reminder that workers wanting better wages and terms and conditions should join Unite and get their colleagues to join as well.”

The suspension of further strike action means easyJet operations at London Luton Airport are expected to continue without additional industrial disruption over the New Year period. Passengers who experienced earlier delays have been advised to continue checking with the airline for the latest travel updates, but no further walkouts are currently planned.